Q&A with a Razorback: Alvin Bailey

BY ANDRES FOCIL

By Kate MendelsohnArkansas Media Relations

Alvin Bailey is a growing force behind the charge of interior blockers that make up the Razorbacks offensive line. The 6-7 freshmen from Broken Arrow, Okla., is the son of former Arkansas basketball player Alvin Bailey, Sr. While attending Broken Arrow High School, Bailey was a pillar on the line with 116 knockdowns, allowing no sacks and was ranked the No. 27 offensive guard in the nation his senior year. He was named to the 2008 all-state team by the Daily Oklahoman and was an All-District Class 6A honoree. Bailey is explosive on the line with phenomenal field vision and his keen ability to read the defense. He continues to prove that he is going to be a key playmaker for the Razorbacks allowing the ball to move down the field.

MR: What made you choose Arkansas over the other programs that were recruiting you?AB: The coaching staff and the atmosphere here is right for me. My parents went here and my dad played for Arkansas so I have grown up an Arkansas fan.

MR: You mentioned that your father played basketball at Arkansas, was pursuing basketball ever a possibility?AB: Definitely I played power forward all though elementary and high school. I was on a competitive AAU team and things were going really well. I actually took off a year in the ninth grade from football to play basketball. I love the game. My dad never pushed me either way he just wants me to be happy.

MR: What is your favorite home-cooked meal? AB: My grandmother’s macaroni and cheese. I don’t know what her recipe is or what she does but the way she cooks it, is the best.

MR: How did you end up playing offensive line? AB: As a kid, I played running back and wide receiver but by the fourth grade I was over the weight limit. Since then, I have been on the line but I dream about being a running back. Everyday…

MR: So if you were 6-0 and 200 pounds what position would you play?AB: [Chuckle] Running back, I think about it all the time.

MR: Many say that you may possibly be the best lineman at Arkansas since Shawn Andrews. How does it feel to be compared to him and fill those shoes?AB: What a compliment. It feels good to be complimented and it adds a lot of pressure. He was a great player for Arkansas. People are going to talk about my game and I have to just focus on working hard and be the best that I can be.

MR: What is your major and what do you plan to after graduation?AB: Business. I want to move home and start my own business. I am not sure what kind of business yet but I working on that.

MR: Do you have a secret talent or pregame ritual? AB: I listen to my music and sing. I like to sing by myself when no one is around and in the shower. To motivate myself I picture myself making big plays.

MR: What are you thinking about before a big play?AB: I am always thinking about my next move. I watch to see what my opponents are going to do. Looking how they walking away, their stance, where they creeping. I wait for the unexpected so I can execute the big play.

MR: Being from Broken Arrow, Okla., what collegiate football team, did you root for?AB: I have always been a Razorback fan. I wear the red and white proudly. But being from Oklahoma, the games are not always televised so I grew up watching Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. Of course if the teams met I would cheer on my Hogs.

MR: What is your favorite part of the game? AB: Winning! Winning feels good.

MR: Who in your mind is the most talented lineman on the team? AB: That is tough. Everyone on this team has their strengths and we pull together as a line for one another. We play as one. I really liked Tony Ugoh and his style of play.